Steve Ballmer blasts founder he backed who pleaded guilty to fraud: ‘I was duped and feel silly’
TechCrunch·4h ago·Neutral
What Happened
Joseph Sanberg, founder of fintech startup Aspiration Partners backed by Steve Ballmer, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in August 2025. Ballmer, who lost money in the venture, publicly expressed feeling duped and silly. Sanberg faces up to 20 years imprisonment per count. Aspiration Partners promised sustainable banking services but allegedly fraudulently recognized revenue from entities Sanberg controlled.
Key Entities
Steve BallmerJoseph SanbergAspiration PartnersMicrosoftU.S. Department of Justicewire fraud